The Centre for Strategic Perspectives at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad hosted a public talk by H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations and UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, drawing attention to the growing need for dialogue, trust and cooperation in international affairs.
In her introductory remarks, Dr. Neelum Nigar said the work of the UNAOC remains highly relevant because its focus on dialogue among cultures and religions reflects Pakistan’s long-standing commitment to peaceful coexistence, interfaith harmony, constructive international engagement and respect for all religions and civilizations.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, delivering the welcome remarks, warned that the world is facing a sharp rise in identity-based polarization, religious intolerance, hate speech and violent extremism, alongside a narrowing space for constructive dialogue. He said Islamophobia has become one of the most serious expressions of these trends and noted that it now goes far beyond isolated discrimination, posing a wider challenge to equality, human dignity, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.
He referred to rising anti-Muslim rhetoric, attacks on places of worship and discriminatory narratives, and pointed to developments in India and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as examples that have drawn international concern over religious discrimination and intolerance. Reaffirming Pakistan’s position that no religion should ever be linked with terrorism or extremism, he recalled Pakistan’s role in helping secure the United Nations General Assembly’s designation of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia and welcomed the appointment of the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia. He said lasting peace can only come through mutual respect, intercultural dialogue and inclusive engagement, while commending the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations for promoting understanding and resilient societies.
In his keynote address, H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos said the international system is standing at a defining turning point, marked by geopolitical fragmentation, weakening confidence in multilateral institutions and a widening set of transnational challenges. He stressed that rebuilding trust in multilateralism, restoring dialogue and strengthening intercultural understanding are no longer idealistic goals but strategic necessities for peace, security and sustainable development.
He said the world is undergoing a deep transformation that requires renewed political leadership and collective action. According to him, global discourse is increasingly shaped by narrow security concerns, while the broader pursuit of sustainable peace has gradually receded from policymaking. He noted that persistent conflicts, widening economic inequality, climate change and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence are reshaping the international landscape, with AI bringing both opportunity and serious ethical and governance challenges that demand responsible regulation and stronger cooperation.
Mr. Moratinos also highlighted how climate change, terrorism, pandemics, artificial intelligence and sustainable development are all interconnected and cannot be addressed through unilateral approaches. He said the key question of the twenty-first century is whether nations have the political will to work together on shared challenges, and reaffirmed that multilateralism remains the only credible framework for collective action.
Expressing concern over polarization, religious intolerance, cultural divisions and misinformation, he warned that diversity is often treated as a source of division rather than one of humanity’s greatest strengths. He said inclusive societies based on pluralism, mutual respect and intercultural dialogue are more resilient and better prepared to prevent conflict, counter extremism and support peaceful coexistence. In this context, he underlined the continuing role of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in building understanding across cultures and civilizations.
Referring to Pakistan’s place in the changing global order, Mr. Moratinos said the country is well positioned to help address international challenges through its strategic location, active diplomacy and role as a bridge between regions and civilizations. He praised Pakistan’s support for the United Nations, its contributions to peacekeeping and its consistent commitment to multilateral cooperation. He also noted Pakistan’s civilizational heritage and said its history of cultural interaction offers valuable lessons for dialogue and mutual understanding.
Concluding his remarks, he called for a renewal of multilateralism in response to today’s geopolitical realities and the emerging multipolar order. He said countries such as Pakistan have an increasingly important role in advancing inclusive diplomacy, strengthening intercultural understanding and contributing to cooperative global governance. Reaffirming the mission of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, he emphasized that dialogue remains the most effective way to rebuild trust, overcome divisions and shape a more peaceful world.
